Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia-Ann Jackson.
Hi Cynthia-Ann, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My journey began in the world of cosmetology, where I found my passion for braiding. As I wove intricate patterns into hair, I also wove connections with women from diverse backgrounds. Through these connections, I discovered a common thread the struggle to find purpose and a deeper understanding of oneself and God. Which resulted in them suffering in silence.
The turning point came when I realized that many of these women carried burdens similar to mine—brokenness, loneliness, and past traumas that all affected them mentally. Their stories echoed my own, resonating deeply within me. Their struggles became my own, and I felt the weight of their pain.
Engaging with my clients from various walks of life, a deep-seated passion for their well-being ignited within me. Their stories, struggles, mental battles, and aspirations, compelled me to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to nurturing their emotional, spiritual, and personal growth.
In moments of despair, I turned to God seeking guidance and understanding. God revealed a profound truth: our burdens were intertwined, and through my own healing, I could assist these women on their journeys. Through a season of isolation God took me through the darkest time of my life. Although it didn’t feel good it was beneficial to who I am today. I’m more confident in who I am because of Who’s I AM!
My relationship with God was pivotal in this process, guiding me through my own evolution and enabling me to be an encouragement of hope for these women. I had to undergo a complete identity switch. Through my transformation I was then able to connect with them on a deeper level. Soon it became a domino effect and i witnessed their personal transformations which was a testament to the power of sisterhood, faith, and shared vulnerability. It’s the only reason all of my clients are literally my closet and dearest friends.
Because of my passion for braiding, I was able to experience the profound impact of sisterhood and healing. It’s not just about the stories shared or the tears shed; it’s about the tangible changes—the smiles rekindled, the confidence restored, and the lives transformed.
Unbeknownst to me this was the birthing of Establishing HER Sisterhood a community I created that is rooted in bringing awareness to the importance of healing through sisterhood. It’s a space for women/young girls can share their vulnerabilities, find strength in each other’s stories, support one another, pray together and embark on a collective journey toward healing.
This journey taught me that obedience to my calling isn’t solely about my own growth; it’s about being the answer to someone else’s prayer. For along time I didn’t understand why these women trusted me so much. So it took me a while for me to fully step into this. Now I’ve embraced my role in cultivating healing through sisterhood, knowing that every season of my life prepared me for my purpose to being an advocate for the empowerment of women in my community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been a rough one for me personally. Being called by God requires a lot of you, and because of that, at times, I feel inadequate or unworthy of the call. When I allow those insecurities to creep in, I struggle mentally to accept that I am who God said I am. Which makes things harder for me in the end. I would also say that because we are an upcoming organization and with me being a full-time student in school it’s hard to get funding for future events and services. But we’re always trusting God to make a way, and He does every time,
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am originally known as “TheRealBraidGuru, braiding is my passion that lead me to my purpose, which is what I do now. I coordinate and host events for women to show up and hold space for one another. At these events we do enjoy each other’s company; however, the bulk of our events are focused around having those hard conversations and being vulnerable about our feelings. When I previously stated, “we hold space for another,” I would like to define this as giving someone the floor to open up about what it is that they’re feeling and take up as much space as needed allowing her the opportunity to cry, sitting with her feelings, or seek advice from other women in the room. Whatever it might be in those moments, she is able to obtain the proper support it is that she needs until it’s the next person’s turn. Of course, through experience we pour into her what we have; however, the intended goal is for her to receive what God has in store for her and guide her through that process with our support. Speaking from my personal experience, I understand that sisterhood can either heal or hurt us. I am also aware of the expectations of women and our emotions. The goal of EST.HER is to provide spaces whereas women we can embrace, connect, pray, worship, and heal through sisterhood. In today’s society women struggle to be confidently vulnerable when challenged with emotions due to their circumstances in life, which eventually leads to their increase feelings of loneliness and not feeling heard. Furthermore, I know these feelings all too well because not having those healthy and safe spaces to help me navigate through what I was feeling during my invulnerable times helped me to learn how to create those spaces for the women around me. I
What were you like growing up?
From my earliest years, I seemed to possess a level of maturity that mirrored who I am today. There’s a consistent pattern in my character that has persisted throughout my life. My family often teased that I entered the world with an innate wisdom, as if I were already an adult. That sense of being “ahead of my time” stayed with me, along with having such a big heart to nurture those around me, shaping the person I am now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/establishingher.sisterhood
- Instagram: establishingher.sisterhood
